North West Press Releases

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Measles cases top the 200 mark in Merseyside outbreak Release date: 2 May 2012
The largest measles outbreak on Merseyside since MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988 is continuing. As at midday yesterday (Tuesday 1 May) there were 210 laboratory confirmed cases. A further 92 probable cases are under investigation.
Added/updated: 2 May 2012
Public Health Speciality Registrar from Cheshire & Merseyside HPU awarded NICE Scholarship Release date: 19 April 2012
Siobhan Farmer, a Public Health Specialty Registrar from the Cheshire & Merseyside HPU has been awarded a 12-month scholarship at NICE. Siobhan is one of only ten other professionals from England and Wales to have been awarded a scholarship for 2012 – 2013.
Added/updated: 19 April 2012
Health agencies and council advises cumbrian public against using unregistered tattooists Release date: 12 April 2012
In the run-up to the annual North Lakes Tattoo Show, Carlisle, 14th and 15th April, the Health Protection Agency (HPA), NHS Cumbria and Carlisle City Council are taking the opportunity to warn the public against visiting unregistered tattooists in Cumbria.
Added/updated: 13 April 2012
Keep infection at bay while enjoying fun ahead of petting farm season Release date: 10 April 2012
Ahead of the petting farm season, the HPA is reminding people, especially those with responsibility for young children, to enjoy their farm visits safely by ensuring good hand hygiene after touching farm animals or their surroundings.
Added/updated: 10 April 2012
Measles on Merseyside - latest Release date: 26 March 2012
A measles outbreak on Merseyside is now the largest in the North West since MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988. To date there have been 113 laboratory confirmed cases and a further 43 probable cases are under review.
Added/updated: 26 March 2012
Cases of Tuberculosis remain high in North West Release date: 23 March 2012
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West in partnership with NHS North West is urging people to be aware of the symptoms of TB as new provisional data published today (March 23rd) shows that TB figures remain high in the region.
Added/updated: 26 March 2012
Measles latest from Merseyside Release date: 20 March 2012
A measles outbreak is continuing on Merseyside. There are now 85 laboratory confirmed cases and a further 44 probable cases are under investigation. A team of staff from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and local NHS services has worked seven-days-a-week, identifying and following up the contacts of 441 suspected measles cases since the outbreak started.
Added/updated: 20 March 2012
A measles outbreak is continuing on Merseyside Release date: 6 March 2012
A measles outbreak is continuing on Merseyside. A team of specialists from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and local NHS services is now investigating 48 laboratory confirmed cases, 37 probable cases and 108 possible cases.
Added/updated: 6 March 2012
Measles update 29 February 2012 Release date: 29 February 2012
There are now 36 laboratory confirmed measles cases in and around Liverpool and the numbers are continuing to grow. A further 35 probable cases are under investigation and numerous reports from GPs are in the process of being followed up. The majority of the cases are in Liverpool and neighbouring areas of South Sefton (Aintree and Waterloo), but there are six are in Knowsley, three in St. Helens and one in Widnes.
Added/updated: 29 February 2012
Update on measles outbreak declared on Merseyside Release date: 22 February 2012
A measles outbreak has been declared on Merseyside. There are 13 confirmed and 16 suspected cases ranging in age from nine months to adults aged in their 20s. Six people, four children and two adults, required treatment in hospital. This compares to just one confirmed case on Merseyside in the first six weeks of 2011 and one in the corresponding period of 2010.
Added/updated: 22 February 2012
Measles outbreak declared on Merseyside Release date: 16 February 2012
A measles outbreak has been declared on Merseyside. There are 13 confirmed and 16 suspected cases ranging in age from nine months to adults aged in their 20s. Six people, four children and two adults, required treatment in hospital. This compares to just one confirmed case on Merseyside in the first six weeks of 2011 and one in the corresponding period of 2010.
Added/updated: 16 February 2012
HPA North West asks for public support in containing “winter vomiting” illness Release date: 30 January 2012
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is asking members of the public to play a part in limiting the spread of “winter vomiting” sickness.
Added/updated: 30 January 2012
HPA North West issues meningitis advice Release date: 17 January 2012
Parents, teachers and family doctors and their staff are being advised to be on the alert for symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia.
Added/updated: 17 January 2012
Whooping cough cases increase Release date: 5 January 2012
Cases of whooping cough reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England and Wales have more than doubled from 421 cases in 2010 to 1040* in 2011 according to new figures published today. Here in the NW the figures have also more than doubled from 65 in 2010 to 107 in 2011.
Added/updated: 5 January 2012
Don’t let food poisoning ruin Christmas Release date: 14 December 2011
Don’t let food poisoning spoil Christmas for you and your loved ones. That’s the message from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West which is today issuing a reminder about the basic rules for safe food storage, preparation and cooking.
Added/updated: 19 December 2011
HPA plea: please keep hospitals and care homes free from ‘winter vomiting’ Release date: 12 December 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) today issued advice on how to avoid norovirus and prevent the infection spreading as we approach the ‘winter vomiting’ season.
Added/updated: 12 December 2011
North West TB figures and rates slightly up in 2010, bucking a national trend Release date: 6 December 2011
A total of 828 cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in North West England in 2010, which equates to a rate of 12 cases for every 100,000 of population, the highest rate in the region since enhanced surveillance of TB began in 1999.
Added/updated: 6 December 2011
New figures reveal 6,332 people accessing HIV care in NW region Release date: 29 November 2011
The number of people being treated for HIV in the North West region reached 6,332 in 2010 according to Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures published today (Tuesday) ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December.
Added/updated: 29 November 2011
Why it’s important to use antibiotics responsibly Release date: 18 November 2011
Antibiotics should be used sparingly and in the correct circumstances and the doctor’s advice with regard to their use should always be heeded or they will lose their effectiveness against bacterial infections.
Added/updated: 16 November 2011
22,500 people living with hepatitis C disease in the North West Release date: 15 November 2011
At least 22,500 people in the North West are estimated to be living with chronic hepatitis C disease and the annual cost of treating them is £32 million, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West’s annual Hepatitis C report for 2011 reveals today.
Added/updated: 15 November 2011
HPA North West advises: “Be on the alert for meningitis this winter” Release date: 8 November 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is advising parents, teachers and family doctors and their staff to be on the alert for signs of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia as winter approaches.
Added/updated: 8 November 2011
Potassium Iodate Tablets distributed to local residents and businesses Release date: 7 November 2011
Potassium Iodate Tablets are being distributed to people who live or work within 550 metres of BAE Systems’ Wet Dock Quay, in Devonshire Dock, and of the Ramsden Dock Basin, in Barrow-in-Furness as a pre-planned countermeasure as preparations are made for a newly built nuclear submarine’s reactor to be commissioned.
Added/updated: 7 November 2011
Meningitis death in Bury Release date: 26 October 2011
We can confirm that a six month old boy from Bury has sadly died from meningococcal disease.
Added/updated: 1 May 2012
What people can do to avoid spreading the “winter vomiting” bug Release date: 18 October 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) today issued advice on how to avoid the 'winter vomiting' bug norovirus and prevent the infection spreading to other people.
Added/updated: 18 October 2011
If you are at greater risk of complications from infection or you are a health or social care worker, protect yourself with a flu jab Release date: 29 September 2011
Health and social care workers are being urged to take up the offer of a flu jab for their own protection and for the health and safety of the vulnerable people they look after in NHS settings and in residential care homes.
Added/updated: 24 October 2011
New Merseyside Resilience Website Release date: 4 August 2011
The Health Protection Agency NW and their partners in the Merseyside Resilience Forum have launched a brand new website with advice about how to prepare yourself, your family or your business in case of emergencies, such as severe weather, threats to public health or major fire.
Added/updated: 4 August 2011
At least 22,000 people living with chronic hepatitis C - NW has most number of cases for 11th consecutive year Release date: 28 July 2011
The World Health Organisation estimates that 130 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis C infection, a virus which can cause liver disease. To mark World Hepatitis Day (Thursday 28 July), the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has released its annual hepatitis C report which estimates that 0.4% of the UK population have the disease.
Added/updated: 28 July 2011
MMR vaccine uptake rates at a 13 year high Release date: 27 June 2011
Immunisation data published by the HPA shows that UK uptake rates for MMR vaccination for children aged two years reached 90% in the first quarter of this year – the highest level for 13 years – and three Scottish and two Northern Ireland Health Boards and 14 English PCTs achieved the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 95% coverage for this age group.
Added/updated: 30 June 2011
STIs in North West drop for first time in a decade Release date: 15 June 2011
New figures released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show for the first time in more than 10 years a small decrease in the total number of STIs diagnosed in 2010 in the North West, most notably in young people. In 2010 there were 58,274 new STI diagnoses made in North West, a decrease of five percent from the previous year when 61,075 cases were diagnosed.
Added/updated: 15 June 2011
Going on holiday: don’t forget the passport and sun cream and have your MMR jabs Release date: 18 May 2011
Parents planning trips to the continent this summer should make sure that their children are protected by two doses of MMR vaccine. The advice is being issued following reports of an increase in measles in a number of European countries, notably France where there has been an ongoing outbreak this year with more than 4,000 cases reported.
Added/updated: 18 May 2011
Vaccination plea as measles cases are confirmed in Wirral Release date: 9 May 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is strongly advising parents to ensure that their children are protected by two doses of MMR vaccine.
Added/updated: 10 May 2011
Keep Safe in the Sun Release date: 20 April 2011
Enjoy the current sunshine, but avoid the health risks it can bring if you are unprepared. That’s the message from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West as thousands plan to make the most of the current hot spell over the holidays at home and overseas.
Added/updated: 16 April 2012
HPA North West’s message for European Immunisation Week is: “Vaccines work. Use them to prevent disease and protect life” Release date: 20 April 2011
Help us eliminate measles and rubella (German measles) by 2015. That’s one message from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West for European Immunisation Week that begins on Saturday 23 April.
Added/updated: 16 April 2012
Hand gels are no substitute for handwashing on farm visits Release date: 20 April 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is reminding people who are planning to visit farms in the Easter holidays or over the summer months not to rely on sanitising hand gels or wipes to protect themselves and their children against germs.
Added/updated: 1 May 2012
Radon data published Release date: 8 March 2011
Millions of households across England and Wales can now access details about radon measurements in their area, in a new HPA report.
Added/updated: 19 April 2012
HPA NW launch TB Awareness-Raising Campaign Release date: 22 March 2011
As the resurgence of tuberculosis that began in the 1980s continues at local and national levels, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West, NHS North West, the charity TB Alert and the region’s Primary Care Trusts are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the disease.
Added/updated: 19 April 2012
Respect is the key to safer sex Release date: 11 February 2011
Show consideration and respect for your partner by using a condom during sex, especially if it is a new partner or a casual relationship. That’s the message from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West as the Agency reveals that despite some improvement rates of sexually transmitted infections remain worryingly high throughout the region.
Added/updated: 11 February 2011
HPA North West warns: “Be on the alert for Meningococcal Disease” Release date: 19 January 2011
Professor Qutub Syed, Director, Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West, is warning that this time of the year tends to bring an increase in cases of meningococcal infection and everyone should be aware of its symptoms.
Added/updated: 19 January 2011
HPA NW gives reassurance following suspected Meningococcal case Release date: 10 January 2011
We can confirm that a 17 year old girl from the Carlisle area of Cumbria has sadly died from suspected meningococcal infection. Our thoughts are with the girl’s family at this very sad time for them.
Added/updated: 14 January 2011
Look after your sexual health during the festive season urges HPA North West Release date: 9 December 2010
Health experts in the NW are urging people to look after their sexual health over the Christmas party season.
Added/updated: 9 December 2010
Don’t get caught out by food poisoning this Christmas, says HPA Release date: 8 December 2010
With preparations for Christmas getting underway, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West agency is advising people to follow a few simple rules to help avoid food poisoning.
Added/updated: 8 December 2010
Don't let 'winter vomiting' spoil Christmas Release date: 6 December 2010
Don’t let winter vomiting spoil the Christmas festivities, for you or for others. That’s the message from HPA North West as the continuing cold spell increases the risk of bugs such as the norovirus spreading in the community and is one that is supported by the local NHS as they try to ease the pressure on already busy A&E and 999 services.
Added/updated: 6 December 2010
Advice to the vulnerable: Don’t miss out on your flu jab Release date: 2 December 2010
The Health Protection Agency North West is warning that in addition to increasing the risk of injury from slips and falls, the current cold spell can trigger an increase in respiratory illnesses such as coughs, colds, asthma and bronchitis.
Added/updated: 2 December 2010
New meningitis vaccine will save thousands of lives in Africa Release date: 29 November 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England had a major role in the development of a vaccine that will save millions of people from the epidemics of Group A meningitis that regularly sweep across sub-Saharan Africa and have done for over a century.
Added/updated: 29 November 2010
More than a quarter of people with HIV in the UK are 'undiagnosed' Release date: 26 November 2010
The number of people living with HIV in the UK reached an estimated 86,500 in 2009, but more than a quarter – almost 22,500 – were unaware of their infection, according to figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) today.
Added/updated: 29 November 2010
People at risk of pneumonia should arrange to be vaccinated Release date: 18 November 2010
Experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West are encouraging people who are most at risk of pneumonia to ensure that they have the protection of pneumococcal vaccine.
Added/updated: 18 November 2010
HPA North West in “use antibiotics responsibly” plea Release date: 18 November 2010
Antibiotics don’t work on viral illnesses such as colds, flu and most coughs and sore throats and should not be prescribed for these ailments. Such inappropriate use of antibiotics is contributing to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections that are extremely difficult to treat.
Added/updated: 18 November 2010
TB cases at highest level for more than 30 years Release date: 4 November 2010
The resurgence of TB in the UK is continuing with 9,040 cases confirmed in 2009, the highest number of new cases in any year since the late 1970s, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported today (Thursday 4 November).
Added/updated: 5 November 2010
Reptile pets pose a salmonella risk to infants Release date: 25 October 2010
Families who keep reptiles as pets may be putting young children in the household at risk from salmonella infection, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West warned today.
Added/updated: 5 November 2010
Hajj travellers reminded to take travel advice before they leave Release date: 14 October 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West wants to remind UK travellers going to Makkah (Mecca) for the Hajj pilgrimage this year to seek health advice before making the journey so that they will enjoy a healthy trip.
Added/updated: 14 October 2010
Pulic alerted to risks in using unregistered tattooists Release date: 4 October 2010
It has come to light that an unregistered tattooist has been operating from his home in Liverpool 8. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from Liverpool City Council have launched an investigation into the tattooist’s practice and have ordered him to cease trading. Police are also investigating.
Added/updated: 4 October 2010
Immunisation recommendations for students Release date: 27 September 2010
The Health Protection Agency is asking universities and FE colleges to encourage students to check that they have previously been fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella and Group C meningococcal infection.
Added/updated: 27 September 2010
Know the signs of Meningococcal disease says HPA Release date: 23 September 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is informing people of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection. The advice is being issued after figures show that the North West region has consistently had the highest number of cases of meningococcal infection in England and Wales over the last ten years. (See table below)
Added/updated: 23 September 2010
National Award for HPA North West Immunisation Team Release date: 23 September 2010
There was a surprise in store for three doctors and a surveillance officer from Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West when they were named as the Agency’s Team of the Year at the HPA annual conference at Warwick University.
Added/updated: 23 September 2010
More than 61,400 new STI's diagnosed in the NW in 2009 - a 3% increase Release date: 25 August 2010
A report published by the Health Protection Agency today reveals that 61,493 new cases of sexually transmitted infection (STIs) were diagnosed in the North West in 2009 – a 3% increase on the 59,702 diagnosed in the region in 2008.
Added/updated: 14 September 2010
HPA advice on typhoid for travellers Release date: 18 August 2010
Experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have produced a leaflet urging travellers to the Indian subcontinent to make sure they are vaccinated against typhoid.
Added/updated: 18 August 2010
Hand-washing advice for parents and children planning farm visits Release date: 5 August 2010
Parents planning to take their children on visits to petting farms and other visitor attractions with animals during the summer holidays are being urged to take particular care with hand-washing.
Added/updated: 5 August 2010
Travellers alerted to measles risk Release date: 14 July 2010
Families planning overseas trips are being warned to ensure that their children are immunised against measles, mumps and rubella before setting off on holiday.
Added/updated: 14 July 2010
MMR Plea to parents and unvaccinated young adults as measles cases soar Release date: 1 July 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is warning that children and young adults who have not been vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine are vulnerable to measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).
Added/updated: 30 June 2010
“We must protect older people from the heat” – Prof Syed Release date: 10 June 2010
Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, is warning that special care should be taken to protect frail older people, young children and babies if the United Kingdom should experience a prolonged heat wave this summer.
Added/updated: 10 June 2010
Advice for parents and children planning farm visits Release date: 10 June 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is advising families who are planning visits to petting farms and other visitor attractions with animals to take particular care with hand-washing.
Added/updated: 10 June 2010
World Cup advice for travellers Release date: 9 June 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is alerting England football fans to the dangers of unprotected sex in South Africa, where 20% of people aged 15 to 49 are HIV positive*.
Added/updated: 9 June 2010
How to keep safe in the sun Release date: 9 June 2010
Enjoy the sunshine, but avoid the health risks it can bring to the unwary. That’s the message from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West as thousands plan to make the most of summer, at home and overseas.
Added/updated: 6 December 2010
“Simple steps” can avoid food poisoning Release date: 2 June 2010
Up to one million cases of food-borne illness are reported each year in the UK. Approximately 20,000 people are hospitalised and 500 die from these diseases.
Added/updated: 2 June 2010
Latest North West figures released for World Hepatitis Day Release date: 19 May 2010
New figures released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show reported cases of Hepatitis C infection in the North West to have increased by 30.6% from 1679 cases reported in 2008 to 2194 cases in 2009.
Added/updated: 1 June 2010
HPA statement on norovirus outbreak on MS Boudicca Release date: 28 April 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) working with Mersey Port Health Authority is investigating an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea amongst passengers of the MS Boudicca.
Added/updated: 1 June 2010
Vaccination drive as measles reappears in Greater Manchester Release date: 26 April 2010
Parents are being urged to protect their children with two doses of MMR vaccine following a small outbreak of measles in Greater Manchester.
Added/updated: 1 June 2010
Be Alert to Meningococcal Disease Release date: 18 March 2010
Added/updated: 14 January 2011
Cases of tuberculosis continue to increase Release date: 16 March 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West in partnership with NHS North West is urging people to be aware of the symptoms of TB as new provisional data published today (March 16th) shows that TB figures remain high in the region.
Added/updated: 10 June 2010
Don't let a sexually transmitted infection ruin the romance of valentines day Release date: 18 February 2010
St Valentine’s Day brings the prospect of hearts, flowers, chocolates, romantic getaways – and a sexually transmitted infection!
Added/updated: 1 June 2010
Winter vomiting bug in New Year surge Release date: 2 February 2010
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging people with the “winter vomiting bug” to help limit the spread of the virus to vulnerable patients after an upsurge of outbreaks in the region since the New Year.
Added/updated: 1 June 2010
HPA helps children fight back against bugs Release date: 20 January 2010
This month over 3,000 Primary and Secondary schools across the North West will be armed with the innovative teaching pack ‘e-Bug’ to help students fight back against infections such as swine flu and Norovirus.
Added/updated: 1 June 2010